From Reality to Digital: Exploring the Visual Foundation of the Digital Twin
Watch the ConneXion recording
During the panel discussion, industry experts gathered to share insights into the transformative power of reality capture and digital twin technology.
From Reality to Digital: Exploring the Visual Foundation of the Digital Twin
A conversation led by Michel Besner, Prevu3D COO and Acting CEO, and our scanning provider partners that delves into the technical challenges, best practices, and future of 3D scanning as the foundation for building accurate, usable digital environments.
The Power of Harmonized Workflows
Thomas Jacobson from BIMstream and Jonathan Bouffard from Topo3D emphasized the importance of harmonizing workflows to meet client needs. With diverse teams and technologies, their companies prioritize using the right tools for the job and tailoring deliverables to specific project requirements. This ensures clients get the most value without unnecessary data or costs.
It’s not just about having the best scanner; it’s about understanding the client’s objectives and using the right combination of technologies to achieve them.
Thomas JacobsonDirector of UAS and Reality Capture at BIMstream
Demystifying 3D Scanning for Clients
One recurring theme was the need to educate clients about the technical nuances of 3D scanning. While modern devices make scanning more accessible, expertise in setup, control points, and equipment selection remains critical.
“Using a scanner isn’t as simple as pressing a button,” Bouffard noted. “You need a deep understanding of the technology to ensure the results align with the project’s objectives.”
The panel also highlighted the importance of balancing speed and quality. Slam-based scanning is faster but less precise than terrestrial methods, and educating clients about these trade-offs helps manage expectations.
Multi-Sensor Integration for Complex Projects
For projects that span years or involve merging diverse datasets (e.g., drone, LiDAR, and terrestrial scans), the complexity grows exponentially. The panelists agreed that integrating data from multiple sensors is essential for capturing comprehensive and accurate models.
Bouffard shared, “Some of the most complex projects involve merging data from various sources while keeping everything aligned, especially when projects evolve over time.”
The Role of Color and Detail in Digital Twins
The panel also touched on the importance of color in scanning, particularly for operational digital twins. While early methods avoided color due to time constraints, advancements in technology now make capturing detailed, colorized data more feasible and valuable.
“People relate more to a photographic view than just intensity-based data,” explained Bouffard. “It enhances understanding and usability, especially for long-term applications.”
The Future of Reality Capture
Looking ahead, the panelists explored what’s next for reality capture technology. Key advancements include automation (e.g., using robots for scanning), faster data acquisition, and better integration between platforms.
“There’s a lot of room for growth in making reality capture more autonomous and scalable,” Jacobson noted. “Cutting down the time and improving accessibility will be game changers.”
Additionally, the panel highlighted the importance of interoperability. With clients increasingly demanding centralized platforms to manage their data, open ecosystems that connect seamlessly across tools and formats will define the future of digital twins.
Collaboration with Prevu3D
Prevu3D’s platform is recognized as a leader in simplifying the reality capture workflow. Our software’s ability to process complex datasets and deliver high-quality meshing without extensive cleaning is celebrated by our partners.
We don’t do much data cleaning anymore because of the advancements in Prevu3D. Their meshing technology is unmatched, saving us significant time and effort.
Jonathan BouffardPrincipal Partner at Topo3D
Building the Digital Foundation
The panel discussion underscored the vital role of reality capture as the visual foundation of the digital twin. From educating clients to integrating data and advancing technology, the industry is moving rapidly to unlock new possibilities.
As Prevu3D and our partners continue to push the boundaries of innovation, the future of digital twins promises to be more accessible, scalable, and impactful than ever before.
To know more on Prevu3D features and how you can benefit from our solutions,
book a one-on-one with our experts